Within a few short months, COVID-19 has left a trail of
devastation. It has severely affected our health and social welfare systems. In
poorer countries, it has exacerbated another humanitarian crisis, where the
fight between virus, hunger, and adequate hygiene has become a daily and ever
growing battle and concern.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed our social, economic,
health, and political inequalities on an unprecedented scale. We knew that we
had inequalities between countries and within them but never had any external
catastrophic event tested its substance, at the same time, all over the world.
Post pandemic, we cannot return to normal. Many countries
are now forced to look at new ways to develop innovative policies, plans, and
strategies that will inevitably have to reduce the vast inequalities and build
more resilient and inclusive societies and economies.
Unfortunately not all countries have the financial and
health resources to effectively fight or contain this pandemic, and without
adequate resources the lives and livelihoods of millions of people are left
hanging in the balance.
It is important at this juncture for all countries to commit
to pull their resources together and partner to ensure that the most basic
needs of people, especially the vulnerable, are cared for.
We have a commitment to each other as human beings to ensure
that even those basic human rights and needs in a time like this should be
upheld and protected amongst all other competing interests.
4 priorities in this current crisis
In my view, these four areas should be part of the most
critical priorities in the global response:
First, access
to affordable healthcare. COVID-19 is a universal health threat and
therefore requires universal protective measures. The pandemic has exacerbated
the pre-existing health inequities and lack of access to quality and affordable
health care services. We should never forget to place higher importance to the
lives of people than profit especially during and after COVID-19.
Second, coordinated
research to develop treatments and vaccines. We cannot have scientists in
different parts of the world working in isolation.
Third, humanitarian and food assistance.
Many people are not aware of the extreme hunger pandemic the world faces
too. An additional 135 million people could be pushed to the brink of
starvation by the end of 2020. A global response must be developed and executed
around this vital issue as the right to food and food security is a basic human
right and critical for human survival everywhere.
And fourth, debt relief measures. For many
poorer countries that have already suffered enormous economic loss due to the
pandemic, debt repayments to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund
must be suspended during this crisis.
Creating a better future
Unity amongst world leaders is needed. In unity,
collaboration, and solidarity we can achieve more and hold each other at a
greater level of accountability for our actions — or lack thereof — going
forward.
This pandemic highlighted that no government is capable of
handling crises on its own. They need the support and collaboration from
private sector, faith based organisations, and NGOs.
An African proverb called “Ubuntu,” meaning humanity, is
often translated as “I am because we are.” As a global human race we are
connected and dependent on each other for our survival and progress. COVID
highlights this interconnectedness more than ever. #EndInequalities #SDG10
#SDGs #FightCovid19 #GlobalProsperity #UnitedforHumanity
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